Untokening California (2017)

On November 4, 2017, 110 activists and community leaders — more than 75% of whom identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) — came together for Untokening California in Los Angeles. Our day-long event created space to focus on the personal and interpersonal work it takes to be BIPOC in mobility advocacy, planning, and policy spaces. Participants shared experiences of tokenism, sharpened decolonizing tools to grow beyond it, and identified actions to help guide the mobility system toward equity. While the stories and speakers focused on California, attendees traveled from cities across the nation, including Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati and Minneapolis.

Thank you to our sponsors California Bicycle Coalition, California Walks, and Dero. Thank you to the steering committee, local organizers, speakers and facilitators, who shared their time and knowledge. And most of all, THANK YOU to all attendees for your energy and insight. Please let us know if you have any additional thoughts or feedback by emailing mobilityequity@gmail.com.

In an effort to lift up social justice values, we intentionally worked with many local, grassroots, politicized, BIPOC and women folks in the LA area. From the venues, catering, photographer, DJ, supporting organizations, sound, etc, we searched high and low to ensure that the money was spent in community and with folks that have shared values. We are grateful to each one of them.

Untokening Atlanta, photo by Argenis Apolinario

Untokening Atlanta (2016)

With more than 130 participants from across the country, the Untokening included candid discussions about street safety, displacement/gentrification, community engagement and culture, which will be collectively edited and distilled into position statements to be shared in early 2017. Conversations also included identifying the "elephants in the room" in mainstream mobility advocacy settings. Stay tuned for more outputs in coming months!

The Untokening included multiple events, including a full-day convening, a discussion on "Race, Place & Justice" and a social ride with Civil Bikes. Photos below by Argenis Apolinario.

Race, Place and Justice discussion

The Untokening: Convening for Just Streets & Communities

Read recaps and stories about Untokening Atlanta

The USA Streetsies: Looking Back at the Best and Worst of 2016, Streetsblog USA, Angie Schmitt, 12/30/16